An Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle near the municipal stadium north of Sidon on Monday, just meters away from a Lebanese Army facility, according to local reports.

The Lebanese Army swiftly deployed to the area as ambulances rushed to the scene. Initial information suggested that one person was inside the targeted car.

The Israeli army confirmed carrying out the airstrike, killing Mohammed Chahine, the head of Hamas’s operations in Lebanon. 

The Israeli military said Chahine was involved in planning terror attacks against Israeli civilians, with Iranian funding and guidance.

“Chahine was a significant source of knowledge within the organization and was involved throughout the war with advancing various terror attacks, including rocket fire on the Israeli home front,” the Israeli army said.

Earlier, Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had briefly left his ongoing corruption trial session in Tel Aviv for what his office described as an “urgent security consultation.” The prime minister, who was in his 10th day of testimony at the Tel Aviv District Court, was absent for approximately 20 minutes before returning to the courtroom.

استهداف سيارة في صيدا pic.twitter.com/eGBbAMTcC1

— kataeb.org (@kataeb_Ar) February 17, 2025

إستهداف سيارة قرب الملعب البلدي شمال مدينة #صيدا pic.twitter.com/dHZ3ahJu8P

— kataeb.org (@kataeb_Ar) February 17, 2025